iirc the album cover shows that phrase written on a combat helmet of a soldier, so presumably it can be interpreted ironically.

It’s incredible to believe that the frontman of The Smiths wrote and recorded those songs at the same time as working as the tea boy at Pete Waterman’s pop factory, and some time before his own not-insignificant pop career.

It’s a pity this Morrissey usurper succeeded in writing Rick out of the picture.